Mads Nikolaj Holten-Andersen

• Vallevik, Elin Ørbeck; Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj; Carlsen, Karin Cecilie Lødrup; Skjerven, Håvard Ove; Vettukattil, Riyas & Rueegg, Corina Silvia [Vis alle 14 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Oscillometric blood pressure values in infants at 3, 6 and 12 months of age: a cohort study. BMJ Paediatrics Open. 10(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2026-004761. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Engen, Katrine; Holte, Kari; Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj; Klingenberg, Claus Andreas; Wentzel-Larsen, Tore & Frøisland, Dag Helge (2026). Continuous glucose monitoring in neonates at risk of hypoglycaemia: a feasibility study. Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition. ISSN 1359-2998. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-330011. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objective Hypoglycaemia is common in neonates. Repeated hypoglycaemic episodes impose a risk of subsequent neurodevelopmental impairment. We aimed to assess the feasibility of using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in a group of infants at risk of hypoglycaemia. Design Observational feasibility study. Settings Level 2 neonatal unit, Norway. Patients Infants of mothers with diabetes or infants born large for gestational age. Interventions A blinded CGM-device was applied on the upper lateral thigh of the neonate shortly after birth to record tissue glucose during the infant’s admission at the postnatal ward. Capillary blood glucose screening samples were analysed by oxidase method. Main outcomes Accuracy of tissue glucose values. Tissue glucose variations during the first 3 days after birth. Number of silent hypoglycaemic events. Results We included 25 infants. Tissue glucose values were higher than blood glucose values but estimated discrepancy decreased from 1.0 mmol/L at 6 hours to 0.5 mmol/L at 18 hours of age. The lowest tissue glucose values were observed around 50 hours postnatal age. From 28 hours postnatal age until discharge, CGM detected 49 silent hypoglycaemic events in 10 infants. We observed no significant harm from the devices on skin or subcutaneous tissue. Conclusion Accuracy of tissue glucose increased with time in comparison to capillary blood glucose, but the device could not detect glucose values <2.2 mmol/L. Tissue glucose levels were lowest at ~50 hours postnatal age and hypoglycaemia occurred later than expected. CGM may be a feasible supplement, but approved CGM-devices for neonates are called for.

• Bang, Ida Elisabeth; Bakken, Kjersti Sletten & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2025). Risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury: an exploratory Norwegian regional cohort study including amniotomy as a potential novel determinant. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 25(1), s. 1–8. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-08422-1. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Obstetric anal sphincter injury refers to the unintended tearing of the anal sphincter and/or rectal mucosa during vaginal delivery, a complication associated with significant morbidity. Well-known risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury include primiparity, high maternal age, instrumental delivery, oxytocin augmentation, and large fetal size. Recently, we identified amniotomy as a potential novel independent risk factor, regardless of parity. This study aims to further explore whether amniotomy increases the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury including known determinants in singleton vaginal births after 34 weeks of gestation at Innlandet Hospital Trust, using a cohort study design. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using data from the Innlandet Perinatal Database, including all women who had singleton vaginal births after 34 weeks of gestation at Innlandet Hospital Trust from 2012 to 2022. We used multivariate logistic regression models to develop a risk-factor model for obstetric anal sphincter injury employing backward elimination with stratification for parity. We included established risk factors in the models, as well as the novel potential risk factor amniotomy. Results: The annual incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury at the hospitals was stable around 2% in the study period and a total of 26,349 births were included. First, amniotomy was not found to be a risk factor for obstetric anal sphincter injury in this contemporary cohort. Second, instrumental delivery was identified as an independent modifiable risk factor for obstetric anal sphincter injury: vacuum extraction presenting relative risks (95% CI) of 2.72 (2.06-3.61) and 3.29 (2.09-5.17) in vaginally primiparous and parous women and forceps 5.97 (3.96-9.00) in vaginally primiparous women. Episiotomy and epidural analgesia were associated with reduced risks of obstetric anal sphincter injury, but only in vaginally primiparous women (relative risks: 0.53 (0.40-0.70) and 0.69 (0.55-0.86)). Conclusions: Based on systematically collected data from our regional birth registry, this cohort study confirmed the association between established risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury, such as instrumental vaginal delivery. However, we could not identify amniotomy as a risk factor for obstetric anal sphincter injury, possibly due to changes in clinical practice and potential data limitations.

• Bjørkevoll, Sol Maja Graasvold; O'Keeffe, Maria; Konijnenberg, Carolien; Solvik, Beate Stokke; Sødal, Alida & Kaldenbach, Siri [Vis alle 13 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2025). Infant Vitamin B12 Status and its Predictors – Cross-Sectional Baseline Results from an Ongoing Randomized Controlled Trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. ISSN 0002-9165. 122(3), s. 803–810. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.06.029. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Vitamin B12 is a crucial micronutrient for infant growth and development. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe vitamin B12 status in Norwegian infants aged 6–15 wk using multiple biomarkers and cut-off approaches, and to identify its predictors. Methods: From November 2021 through August 2024, infants aged 6–15 wk and their mothers were recruited from public health clinics in Innlandet County, Norway, as part of an ongoing randomized controlled trial. Plasma cobalamin and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations were analyzed among all infants in the cohort (n = 644), and total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations were analyzed in a subgroup (n = 358). The combined indicator for vitamin B12 status (cB12) was calculated by Fedosov’s equation. Low status was defined using multiple cut-off approaches. Potential predictors of infant vitamin B12 status were evaluated using regression models. Results: Mean (standard deviation [SD]) infant age was 9.1 (1.8) wk. The median (interquartile range) concentrations were: cobalamin 242 (192, 322) pmol/L, tHcy 7.4 (6.2, 9.4) μmol/L, and MMA 0.34 (0.21, 0.77) μmol/L. The mean (SD) cB12 was −0.5 (0.7). Eight percent had cobalamin <148 pmol/L, and 40% <221 pmol/L. Sixty-seven percent had tHcy >6.5 μmol/L, 19% >10 μmol/L, and 4% >13 μmol/L. Sixty-four percent had MMA>0.26 μmol/L. Exclusively breastfed infants had 40% lower cobalamin and 30% higher tHcy compared with nonbreastfed infants. Partially breastfed infants had 21% lower cobalamin and 12% higher tHcy compared with nonbreastfed infants. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of Norwegian infants have biochemical signs of low vitamin B12 status, given that the cut-offs were established in adults. Lower status was observed in partially and exclusively breastfed infants, compared with nonbreastfed infants. However, it is unclear whether these biomarker patterns have clinical significance. Further research is needed to determine consequences of low vitamin B12 biomarker concentrations in early infancy.

• Kaldenbach, Siri; Leonhardt, Marja; Strand, Tor Arne & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2025). Mental health and energy drink consumption among Norwegian adolescents; a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 25(1). doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-23432-6. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Energy drinks (ED) are marketed as boosters of mental and physical health, but few studies have looked at the mental health of adolescents who consume large amounts of ED. The current study aims to investigate the association between symptoms of depression and ED consumption among Norwegian adolescents between 2017 and 2022. Methods Data from the Norwegian nationwide youth survey (Ungdata) with participants from lower and upper secondary schools was used. A total of 133,401 adolescents who participated between 2017 and 2022 were included. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to calculate the relative risks and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals with symptoms of depression as the main outcome variable. The models have been controlled for the exposure variable (ED consumption) and the covariates; perceived everyday pressure, school-related stress, general self-efficacy next to other background variables. Results The sample comprised 63,233 (47.5%) boys and 66,621 (52.5%) girls. In total, 2.9% consumed ED daily, 52.3% had consumed any ED while 44.7% had never consumed ED. 18.3% of the total sample had a high level of symptoms of depression. Moreover, when adjusted for all variables, any (RR: 1.23, CI: 1.20–1.26) and daily ED consumption (RR: 1.94, CI: 1.85–2.03) were associated with increased symptoms of depression. Conclusion ED continues to be a popular beverage among Norwegian adolescents and regular consumption of ED is related to key elements of adolescents’ symptoms of depression when adjusted by perceived everyday pressure, school-related stress and general self-efficacy. This study adds to the body of evidence linking regular ED consumption to mental health which is increasingly common among adolescents. Public health initiatives such as increasing public information or restricting ED sales to adolescents should be considered to reduce ED consumption among adolescents. Yet, further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms of how ED and symptoms of depression are associated.

• Kaldenbach, Siri; Strand, Tor Arne & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2023). Experiences with energy drink consumption among Norwegian adolescents. Journal of Nutritional Science (JNS). 12. doi: 10.1017/jns.2023.17. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The objective of the present study was to describe adolescents' habits and experiences with energy drink (ED) consumption and the relation to the amount of ED consumed. We used the national cross-sectional study Ungdata, conducted in 2015-16 in Norway. A total of 15 913 adolescents aged 13-19 years answered questions about ED consumption related to the following topics: reasons for, experiences with, habits and parental attitudes. The sample comprised only adolescents reporting to be ED consumers. We estimated the association between the responses and the average daily consumption of ED in multiple regression models. Those who consumed ED 'to concentrate' or 'to perform better in school' consumed on average 73⋅1 (CI 65⋅8, 80⋅3) and 112⋅0 (CI 102⋅7, 121⋅2) ml more daily, respectively, than those who did not consume ED for these reasons. Up to 80 % of the adolescents reported that 'my parents think it is OK that I drink energy drink', but at the same time almost 50 % reported that 'my parents say that I shouldn't drink energy drink'. Apart from increased endurance and feeling stronger, both desired and adverse effects of ED consumption were reported. Our findings indicate that the expectation created by the ED companies have great influence on the adolescents' consumption rate and that parental attitudes towards ED have little to no influence on the adolescents' consumption rate. © The Author(s) 2023.

• Aarsland, Tonje Eiane; Solvik, Beate Stokke; Bakken, Kjersti Sletten; Næss, Synnøve; Kaldenbach, Siri & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj [Vis alle 12 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2023). Iodine Nutrition in Children ≤2 years of Age in Norway. Journal of Nutrition. ISSN 0022-3166. 153(11), s. 3237–3246. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.09.013. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: As a component of the thyroid hormones (THs), iodine is vital for normal neurodevelopment during early life. However, both deficient and excess iodine may affect TH production, and data on iodine status in young children are scarce. Objectives: To describe iodine nutrition (iodine status and intake) in children ≤2 y of age in Innlandet County (Norway) and to describe the associations with maternal iodine nutrition. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a representative sample of mother-child pairs selected from 30 municipalities from November 2020 until October 2021. Iodine status [child urinary iodine concentration (UIC), maternal UIC, and breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC)] was measured. Child's iodine intake was estimated using 2 24-h dietary recalls (24-HR) and a food frequency questionnaire. The Multiple Source Method was used to estimate the usual iodine intake distributions from the 24-HR assessments. Results: The median UIC in 333 children was 145 μg/L, indicating adequate iodine status according to the WHO cutoff (100 μg/L). The median usual iodine intake was 83 μg/d. Furthermore, 35% had suboptimal usual iodine intakes [below the proposed Estimated average requirement (72 μg/d)], whereas <1% had excessive usual iodine intakes [above the Upper intake level (200 μg/d)]. There was a positive correlation between children's iodine intake and BMIC (Spearman rank correlation coefficient r = 0.67, P < 0.001), and between children's UIC and BMIC (r = 0.43, P < 0.001), maternal UIC (r = 0.23, P = 0.001), and maternal iodine intake (r = 0.20, P = 0.004). Conclusion: Despite a median UIC above the cutoff for iodine sufficiency, more than a third of the children had suboptimal usual iodine intakes. Our findings suggest that many children will benefit from iodine fortification and that risk of iodine excess in this age group is low.

• Aarsland, Tonje Eiane; Kaldenbach, Siri; Bakken, Kjersti Sletten; Solvik, Beate Stokke; Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj & Strand, Tor Arne (2023). Inadequate Iodine Intake in Mothers of Young Children in Innlandet County, Norway. Current Developments in Nutrition (CDN). 7(3), s. 1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.100047. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Iodine has an essential role in child growth and brain development. Thus, sufficient iodine intake is particularly important in women of childbearing age and lactating women. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to describe iodine intake in a large random sample of mothers of young children (aged ≤2 y) living in Innlandet County, Norway. Methods: From November 2020 to October 2021, 355 mother-child pairs were recruited from public health care centers. Dietary data were obtained using two 24-h dietary recalls (24-HRs) per woman and an electronic FFQ. The Multiple Source Method was used to estimate the usual iodine intake from the 24-HR assessment. Results: Based on the 24-HRs, the median (P25, P75) usual iodine intake from food was 117 μg/d (88, 153) in nonlactating women and 129 μg/d (95, 176) in lactating women. The median (P25, P75) total usual iodine intake (from food combined with supplements) was 141 μg/d (97, 185) in nonlactating women and 153 μg/d (107, 227) in lactating women. Based on the 24-HRs, 62% of the women had a total iodine intake below the recommendations (150 μg/d in nonlactating women and 200 μg/d in lactating women), and 23% of them had an iodine intake below the average requirement (100 μg/d). The reported use of iodine-containing supplements was 21.4% in nonlactating women and 28.9% in lactating women. In regular users of iodine-containing supplements (n = 63), supplements contributed to an average of 172 μg/d of iodine. Among regular iodine supplement users, 81% reached the recommendations compared with 26% of nonsupplement users (n = 237). The iodine intake estimated by FFQ was substantially higher than that estimated by 24-HRs. Conclusions: Maternal iodine intake in Innlandet County was inadequate. This study confirms the need for action to improve iodine intake in Norway, particularly among women of childbearing age. Keywords: 24-h dietary recall; Multiple Source Method; iodine intake; lactating women; women of childbearing age. © 2023 The Authors.

• Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj; Lippert, Matthias; Holmstrøm, Henrik; Brun, Henrik & Døhlen, Gaute (2022). Current outcomes of live-born children with double outlet right ventricle in Norway. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. ISSN 1010-7940. 63(1). doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac560. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objectives: This population-based, comprehensive, retrospective study presented the clinical outcomes of all children born in Norway between 2003 and 2017 with double outlet right ventricle (DORV). Methods: All children born with DORV between 2003 and 2017 were identified in the Oslo University Hospital registry. Patients' characteristics, interventions, complications and deaths were recorded. Echocardiographic data were reviewed for classification according to current standards. We investigated time-dependent surgical reintervention and mortality using Kaplan-Meier analyses and determinants of treatment complications, reintervention and death using regression analyses. Results: Ninety-three children with DORV represented an annual median prevalence of 1.18 per 10 000 births in Norway. Six children received palliative care. With an intention to treat, a surgical route with the primary biventricular repair was followed for 62 children, staged biventricular repair for 15 and univentricular repair for 10 children. Major complications occurred in 1.0% and 6.2% of children following catheter or surgical intervention, respectively. No significant determinants of the complications were identified. Overall survival following treatment was 91.9%, 90.8%, 89.5% and 89.5% and corresponding freedom from surgical reintervention was 88.0%, 79.0%, 74.9% and 69.4% at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years, respectively. The presence of atrioventricular septal defect predicted an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio: 7.16) but did not increase the risk of surgical reintervention. Conclusions: In Norway, most children receive tailored treatment for DORV with low rates of complications, surgical reinterventions and mortality. However, atrioventricular septal defect remains a potential determinant of postoperative death. Keywords: Biventricular; Complication; DORV; Double outlet right ventricle; Reintervention; Univentricular. © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.

• Klokk, Ragnhild; Bakken, Kjersti Sletten; Markestad, Trond Jacob & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2022). Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury in a Norwegian Region: a case–control study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 22(1). doi: 10.1186/s12884-022-04621-2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a common and severe complication of vaginal delivery and may have short- and long-term consequences, including anal incontinence, sexual dysfunction and reduced quality of life. The rate of OASI varies substantially between studies and national birth statistics, and a recent meta-analysis concluded that there is a need to identify unrecognized risk factors. Our aim was therefore to explore both potential modifable and non-modifable risk factors for OASI. Methods: We performed a case–control study in a single center maternity clinic in South-Eastern Norway. Data were extracted retrospectively from an institutional birth registry. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of the woman’s frst-time 3rd or 4th degree perineal lesion (OASI) following singleton vaginal birth after 30 weeks’ gestation. For each woman with OASI the frst subsequent vaginal singleton delivery matched for parity was elected as control. The study population included 421 women with OASI and 421 matched controls who gave birth during 1990–2002. Potential risk factors for OASI were assessed by conditional logistic regression analyses. Results: The mean incidence of OASI was 3.4% of vaginal deliveries, but it increased from 1.9% to 5.8% during the study period. In the fnal multivariate regression model, higher maternal age and birthweight for primiparous women, and higher birthweight for the multiparous women, were the only non-modifable variables associated with OASI. Amniotomy was the strongest modifable risk factor for OASI in both primi- (odds ratio [OR] 4.84; 95% confdence interval [CI] 2.60–9.02) and multiparous (OR 3.76; 95% CI 1.45–9.76) women, followed by augmentation with oxytocin (primiparous: OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.08–2.46, multiparous: OR 3.70; 95% CI 1.79–7.67). Vacuum extraction and forceps deliv‑ ery were only signifcant risk factors in primiparous women (vacuum: OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.03–3.57, forceps: OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.14–4.92), and episiotomy in multiparous women (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.36–5.14). Conclusions: Amniotomy may be an unrecognized independent modifable risk factor for OASI and should be fur‑ ther investigated for its potential role in preventive strategies.

• Kaldenbach, Siri; Leonhardt, Marja; Lien, Lars; Bjertnæs, Asborg Sine Aanstad; Strand, Tor Arne & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2022). Sleep and energy drink consumption among Norwegian adolescents – a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 22. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-12972-w. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Adolescents are recommended to get 8–10 h of sleep at night, yet more than 80% fail to obtain this goal. Energy drink (ED) consumption has been linked to later bedtime in adolescents. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential association between ED consumption and sleep duration, and shuteye latency among adolescents in Norway. Methods This study was based on data from 15- to 16-year-old adolescents living in Oppland County in 2017. In total, 1353 adolescents were included in the analysis. Multiple regression models were used to estimate the associations between the frequency of ED consumption with sleep duration, shuteye latency, and getting 8 h of sleep. Results Forty-six point five percent of the adolescents reported sleeping more than 8 h at night. Those who reported ED consumption at any frequency had significantly shorter sleep duration than those who did not. On average, high consumers of ED (consuming ED ≥ 4 times a week) had 0.95 (95% CI: 0.61, 1.28) hours (i.e., 57 min) less sleep than those who never consumed ED. In addition, high consumers had more than 25 min (95% CI: 13.95, 36.92) longer shuteye period than those who never consumed ED. Conclusion Most ED consumers fail to obtain the recommended 8 h of sleep at night, which could be a consequence of shorter sleep duration and longer shuteye latency. We found a dose-response relationship between frequency of ED consumption and reduced sleep. Yet, the potential long-term effects of both ED consumption and insufficient sleep among adolescents remain unclear.

• Kaldenbach, Siri; Strand, Tor Arne; Solvik, Beate Stokke & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2021). Social determinants and changes in energy drink consumption among adolescents in Norway, 2017-2019: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 11. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049284. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Objectives: To describe the social determinants and development in energy drink consumption among Norwegian adolescents in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Design: Cross-sectional, online, annual, nationwide surveys (Ungdata). Setting: Responses collected online from January 2017 to December 2019. Participants: Lower and upper secondary school students (n=297 102) aged 12-19 years who responded in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Main outcome measures: Frequency of energy drink consumption. Results: Over the 3-year period, 66.4% of the men and 41.8% of the women had consumed energy drink once a week or more. The proportion of female high consumers (consuming energy drink more than four times a week) increased from 3.3% to 4.9% between 2017 and 2019; for male, the increase was from 9.8% to 11.5%. In females, the proportion of high consumers increased with 24% (relative risk; CI) (1.24; 1.09 to 1.41) from 2017 to 2018 and 46% (1.46; 1.31 to 1.62) from 2017 to 2019. The corresponding increases in males were 10% (1.10; 1.01 to 1.20) from 2017 to 2018 and 12% (1.12; 1.05 to 1.19) from 2017 to 2019. Any energy drink consumption as well as high energy drink consumption were independently associated with school level, less central residency, low socioeconomic status, physical inactivity and high leisure screen time. Conclusion: We found an increase in high consumers among both boys and girls between 2017 and 2019. The observed increase in energy drink consumption among adolescents can explain some of the increased sales of energy drink in Norway. Keywords: community child health; nutrition & dietetics; public health. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

• Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj; Haugen, Johanne; Oma, Ingvild & Strand, Tor A (2020). Vitamin D Status and Its Determinants in A Paediatric Population in Norway. Nutrients. 12 (5)(5). doi: 10.3390/nu12051385. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Recommendations for sufficient vitamin D intake in children were recently revised in Norway. However, optimal levels of vitamin D are still debated and knowledge on supplementation and vitamin D levels in healthy children in Norway is scarce. Therefore, we measured the plasma-concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in children and adolescents attending the outpatient paediatric clinics in Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway during two consecutive years (2015–2017). We recruited 301 children and adolescents aged 5 months to 18 years (mean 7.8, SD 4.4 years) for the study and obtained sample material for 25(OH)D measurements from 295 (98%). Information on diet, vitamin D supplementation, sun exposure, ethnicity, parental education and general health was collected by questionnaire. 25(OH)D levels were analysed and determinants for 25(OH)D were estimated by linear regression. 1.0% of the children had deficient levels (25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L) and 21.0% had insufficient levels (25–50 nmol/L). 25(OH)D levels ranging from 50 to 75 nmol/L were found among 38.3%, while 39.7% had levels above 75 nmol/L. The mean 25(OH)D level was 70.0 nmol/L (SD 23.4, range 17–142 nmol/L) with a significant seasonal variation with lowest levels in mid-winter and highest in late summer. In addition to seasonal variation independent determinants for 25(OH)D-levels were age of the child, parental ethnicity, vitamin D supplementation and soda consumption. Along with parental ethnicity other than Nordic, age was the strongest determinant of 25(OH)D, with adolescents having the lowest levels. View Full-Text Keywords: vitamin D; 25(OH)D; child; adolescent; age; ethnicity

• Bjertnæs, Asborg Sine Aanstad; Schwinger, Catherine; Juliusson, Petur Benedikt; Strand, Tor A; Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj & Bakken, Kjersti Sletten (2020). Health-related behaviors in adolescents mediate the association between subjective social status and body mass index. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). ISSN 1661-7827. 17(19), s. 1–16. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17197307. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The aim of this study was to explore the association between adolescent subjective social status (SSS) and body mass index (BMI) at two different time points and to determine whether this association was mediated by health-related behaviors. In 2002 (n = 1596) and 2017 (n = 1534), tenth-grade students (15-16 years old) in schools in the District of Oppland, Norway, completed a survey. Four categories of perceived family economy were measured as SSS, and structural equation modeling was performed, including a latent variable for unhealthy behavior derived from cigarette smoking, snuff-use, and alcohol-drinking as well as dietary and exercise as mediators. No linear association was found between SSS and BMI in 2002 (standardized ß -0.02, (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.07, 0.03)). However, an association was present in 2017 (standardized ß -0.05 (95% CI -0.10, -0.001)), indicating that BMI decreased by 0.05 standard deviations (0.05 × 3.1 = 0.16 BMI unit) for every one-category increase in SSS. This association was mediated by exercise (standardized ß -0.013 (95% CI -0.02, -0.004) and unhealthy behavior (standardized ß -0.009 (95% CI -0.002, -0.04)). In conclusion, a direct association between SSS and BMI was found in 2017 in this repeated cross-sectional survey of 15-16-year-old Norwegian adolescents. This association was mediated through health-related behavior. Keywords: adolescents; body mass index; health behavior; obesity; structural equation modeling; subjective social status.

• Bjertnæs, Asborg Sine Aanstad; Fossum, Ingrid Nesdal; Oma, Ingvild; Bakken, Kjersti Sletten; Strand, Tor A & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2020). A cross-sectional study of the relationship between mental health problems and overweight and obesity in adolescents. Frontiers in Public Health. 8:334, s. 1–8. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00334. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: There is a suggested coexistence between obesity and mental health discomfort in adolescence. The objective of this study was to explore if mental health indices covaried with body mass index (BMI) in adolescence and if there were gender-related disparities. Methods: Data were collected in two cross-sectional surveys of 10th-grade students (15 to 16 years old) carried out in 2002 and 2017. The questionnaires included self-reported height and weight, questions covering mental health using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), lifestyle, and sociodemographic variables. We estimated the associations between SDQ subscale scores and BMI and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in linear and logistic multivariable models. We also estimated the extent to which gender modified these associations. Results: BMI was positively associated with peer problems [beta (β): 0.08, (95% confidence interval 0.01, 0.14)], indicating that for every point increase in peer problems subscore, BMI increased by 0.08 kg/m2. The association between internalizing (i.e., peer and emotional) problems and BMI and conduct problems and BMI was different for boys and girls (p < 0.05 for all effect modifications). Conclusion: In this repeated cross-sectional study across 15 years, we found that peer problems were associated with BMI in Norwegian adolescents. We also found that there is a possibility that adolescent boys and girls report different mental health symptoms related to increased BMI. This finding implicates a need for gender-specific attention when assessing risk factors for increased BMI in adolescents. Keywords: SDQ; adolescence; body mass index; gender; mental health problems; obesity; overweight. Copyright © 2020 Bjertnaes, Fossum, Oma, Bakken, Arne and Holten-Andersen.

• Bjertnæs, Asborg Sine Aanstad; Grundt, Jacob Holter; Donkor, Hilde Mjell; Juliusson, Petur Benedikt; Wentzel-Larsen, Tore & Vaktskjold, Arild [Vis alle 8 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2019). No significant associations between breastfeeding practices and overweight in 8-year-old children. Acta Paediatrica. ISSN 0803-5253. 109(1), s. 109–114. doi: 10.1111/apa.14937. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Aim: The aim was to examine if breastfeeding practices were associated with body mass index (BMI) and risk of overweight or obesity in third grade (8 years) of elementary school. Methods: In a regional cohort, we related BMI z‐scores and presence of overweight or obesity at 8 years of age with ever being breastfed and with duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding after adjusting for potential confounders. Parents completed questionnaires on breastfeeding and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors at school entry, and public health nurses measured height and weight. For non‐participants, the nurses anonymously reported these measurements together with sex and age. Results: 90% of participants had been breastfed. In adjusted analyses, BMI z‐scores were not significantly related to whether or not the child had been breastfed (P = .64), or to the duration of exclusive (P = .80) or partial breastfeeding (P = .94). Logistic regression also showed no significant association between breastfeeding measures and overweight or obesity. Conclusion: This study on 8‐year‐old Norwegian children did not support a commonly held notion that breastfeeding reduces the risk of overweight or obesity. K E YWORDS BMI z‐score, breastfeeding, child, obesity, overweight

• Bjertnæs, Asborg Sine Aanstad; Grundt, Jacob Holter; Juliusson, Petur Benedikt; Markestad, Trond Jacob; Strand, Tor A & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2019). Sex-related change in BMI of 15- to 16-year-old Norwegian girls in cross-sectional studies in 2002 and 2017. BMC Pediatrics. 19(431), s. 1–9. doi: 10.1186/s12887-019-1790-2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity (OWOB) has stabilized in some countries, but a portion of children with high body mass index (BMI) may have become heavier. This study aimed to describe the distributions of BMI and the point prevalence of OWOB in Norwegian adolescents in 2002 and 2017. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 15- to 16-year-old adolescents in Oppland, Norway, was undertaken in 2002 and 2017. We calculated their BMI, BMI z-scores (BMIz), and the prevalence of OWOB. Results: The mean BMI increased from 20.7 to 21.4 (p < 0.001) for girls but remained unchanged at 21.5 vs 21.4 (p = 0.80) for boys. The prevalence of OWOB increased from 9 to 14% among girls (difference 5, 95% CI: 2, 8) and from 17 to 20% among boys (difference 3, 95% CI: − 1, 6%). The BMI density plots revealed similar shapes at both time points for both sexes, but the distribution for girls shifted to the right from 2002 to 2017. Conclusion: Contrary to previous knowledge, we found that the increase in OWOB presented a uniform shift in the entire BMI distribution for 15–16-year-old Norwegian girls and was not due to a larger shift in a specific subpopulation in the upper percentiles. Keywords: Adolescent, Body mass index, Body mass index distribution, Obesity, Overweight, Sex differences

• Degirmenci, Naim; Fossum, Ingrid Nesdal; Strand, Tor A; Vaktskjold, Arild & Holten-Andersen, Mads Nikolaj (2018). Consumption of energy drinks among adolescents in Norway: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 18(1391). doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-6236-5. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Energy drink (ED) consumption is increasing all over the world. We sought to describe the consumption of EDs among adolescents in Norway, and to explore the determinants of daily and high consumption. Methods Population-based cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 31,091 secondary school students in grade 8–13 aged 12–19 years. School grade, residency, socioeconomic status (SES), physical activity and leisure screen time were included in multiple regression analyses, in order to investigate their associations with daily and high (≥four times weekly) ED consumption. Results 52.3% of the respondents were ED consumers and 3.5% were high consumers. Boys consumed twice as much ED as girls (boys: 36.3 ml/day, girls: 18.5 ml/day, geometric means), and the proportion of male high consumers was 3.7-times higher than that of females. The adjusted odd ratio (OR) of upper secondary school (grades 11–13, ages 15–19) students being high ED consumers were higher than for lower secondary school (grades 8–10, ages 12–15) students (OR 1.1(confidence interval (CI):1.0–1.3)), as well as higher for rural than urban residents (OR 1.3 (CI: 1.1–1.5)). Gradients for the increased ORs of being a high ED consumer were found for decreased SES, decreased frequency of physical activity and increased daily leisure screen time. Conclusions More than half of the respondents reported that they were ED consumers. Daily and high consumption were independently associated with male gender, physical inactivity, high leisure screen time, low socioeconomic status and rural residency.

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• HOdt, Gunhild C.; Alsaker, Synnøva Hystad; Skjeldal, Ola; Wergeland, Gro Janne Henningsen; Isaksen, Jørn & Bryn, Vesna [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2025). Pica, ARFID and rumination disorder in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. doi: https:/organizers-congress.org/file/27475/229b1995b54d3287536f519fb9ab7c2d46a0be9434f17806dc7e5b76a59e0c59. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Aims Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. There is a growing awareness of the increased risk of eating difficulties in children with ASD, and a need for systematic knowledge on eating disorders not associated with body dysmorphia. The present study is a systematic review on pica, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and rumination disorders in children with ASD, with the aim to synthesize the body of knowledge on prevalence, clinical pathways, diagnostic assessment, clinical management and intervention. Methods A systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL and PsycINFO from publication date 1990 – present. The search included peer reviewed studies written in English with three or more participants, age under 18 years. The ASD diagnoses were set according to DSM-IV or DSM-5 or ICD-9/ICD-10. Results We will present the findings from the systematic review of Pica, ARFID and rumination disorder in children with ASD, including the available data on rate, clinical presentation, physical parameters, psychosocial factors in addition to diagnostic pathways and intervention offered. Conclusions Children with ASD have an enhanced risk of co-occurring pica, ARFID and rumination disorder, but there is a lack of clinical research on detection, clinical management and intervention.

• Bakken, Kjersti Sletten; Kvestad, Ingrid; Bjørkevoll, Sol Maja Graasvold; Solvik, Beate Stokke; Kaldenbach, Siri & McCann, Adrian [Vis alle 10 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2023). Vitamin B12 status in infancy and the effect of a vitamin B12 injection in infants with subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency: study protocol for a register-based randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 13(4). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069102. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Introduction: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is crucial for optimal child development and growth, yet deficiency is common worldwide. The aim of this study is twofold; (1) to describe vitamin B12 status and the status of other micronutrients in Norwegian infants, and (2) in a randomised controlled trial (RCT), investigate the effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on neurodevelopment in infants with subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency. Methods and analysis: Infant blood samples, collected at public healthcare clinics, are analysed for plasma cobalamin levels. Infants with plasma cobalamin <148 pmol/L are immediately treated with hydroxocobalamin and excluded from the RCT. Remaining infants (cobalamin ≥148 pmol/L) are randomly assigned (in a 1:1 ratio) to either a screening or a control group. In the screening group, baseline samples are immediately analysed for total homocysteine (tHcy), while in the control group, the baseline samples will be analysed after 12 months. Screening group infants with plasma tHcy >6.5 µmol/L, are given an intramuscular injection of hydroxocobalamin (400 µg). The primary outcomes are cognitive, language and motor development assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development at 12 months of age. Ethics and dissemination: The study has been approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (ref: 186505). Investigators who meet the Vancouver requirements will be eligible for authorship and be responsible for dissemination of study findings. Results will extend current knowledge on consequences of subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency during infancy and may inform future infant feeding recommendations. Trial registration number: NCT05005897. Keywords: Developmental neurology & neurodisability; EPIDEMIOLOGY; NUTRITION & DIETETICS. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

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